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Course Syllabus
Spring 2009

Course Information
Course Number/Section BA4305-503
Course Title Strategic Management
Days & Times Mondays 7:00 – 9:45
Location SOM 2.901

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor Maria Hasenhuttl, PhD
Office Phone 972-883-
Email Address maria.hasenhuttl@utdallas.edu
Office Location SOM 4.207
Office Hours Mondays 5:30-6:30
Thursdays 11:30-12-30
Other Information Please email through WebCT

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Co-requisite: BA 4371, Prerequisites: BA 3341, BA 3351, BA 3352, BA 3361 and BA 3365.

Course Description
The Strategic Management course is a capstone course aiming to integrate what you have learned in other
classes, including finance, accounting, operations, MIS, marketing, and organizational behavior and use
this knowledge to study the strategic management of the firm as well as the responsibilities of a general
manager.
The approach of the class is practical and problem oriented. The major part of the course will involve
applying concepts, analytic frameworks, and intuition to the strategic issues that real-world companies
face. These issues are presented in case studies and in the form of a simulation exercise. For the class to
work well - and for you to benefit from it - attendance and preparation for each class meeting is essential.
Failure to fully prepare for class is also a detriment to your fellow students. This is an extremely intense
course, which requires a substantial time commitment.

Learning Objectives/Outcomes
1. Students will be able to complete an external and internal analysis of a firm.

2. Students will be able to identify the strategic problems of a firm.

3. Students will be able to develop solutions to a firm’s strategic issues.

4. Students will be able to integrate skills acquired in finance, accounting, marketing, production, and
MIS courses to create a successful firm strategy.
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Required Textbook and Materials

G.G. Dess, G.T. Lumpkin, and A.B. Eisner. Strategic Management Theory. Text and cases. 2008. 4th
Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Management Simulations (Smith, D.C.). CAPSTONE and Comp-XM.

(Team Member Guide is distributed in class). You are required to register at http://www.capsim.com for
the simulation. With questions regarding the simulation exercise please call the following toll free number
during working hours: 877-477-8787.

Course Schedule
The following course schedule provides a detailed checklist of topics and assignments by week. This
course outline provides a general plan for the course. The instructor reserves the right to make periodic
changes to content, requirements, and schedule.
Readings and Assignments are to be completed before class.
Date Topic Reading/Case Discussion Assignments Due
1/12 Course Requirements
Introduction to Capstone
Simulation
1/ 19 No class - holiday
1/ 26 Library Presentation Read student guide,
Strategic Management Chapter 1 Registered for simulation
Basic Strategies exercise,
Overview Viewed introductory lesson
Analyzing Cases Chapter 13 and completed the quiz,
Printed Capstone Courier,
2/ 2 External Environment of Chapter 2 Situation Analysis
firm Case 35: UPS and FedEx in the completed on-line (info in
Express Delivery Services Industry chapter 8 of student guide)
Cost Leadership Simulation
begins (2/2-2/23)
2/9 Internal Environment of Chapter 3 Rehearsal Simulation
firm Case 28: Caribou completed
2/16 Intellectual Assets Chapter 4 Case Paper 1 Due
Case 18: Southwest Airlines
2/23 Business-Level Strategy Chapter 5 Cost Leadership Simulation
Case 14 : Ann Taylor completed
Differentiation Simulation
begins (2/23-3/23)
3/2 Exam 1 Chapters 1 through 5 Case Paper 2 Due
Write-up of Cost
Leadership Strategy
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3/9 Corporate Level Chapter 6

Strategy Case 19: Johnson & Johnson
3/23 International Strategy Chapter 7 Differentiation Simulation
Case 21: Heineken completed
Focus Simulation begins
(3/23-4/13)
3/30 Strategic Control and Chapter 9 Case Paper 3 Due
Corporate Governance Case 10: Enron Write-up of Differentiation
Strategy
4/6 Organizational Design Chapter 10
Case 24: Proctor & Gamble
4/13 Strategic Leadership Chapter 11 Focus Simulation
Case 10: Enron completed
4/20 Innovation and Chapters 8 and 12 Case paper 4 Due
Corporate Case 26: Samsung Electronics Write-up of Focus Strategy
Entrepreneurship Start Comp-XM
4/27 Course Re-cap
Simulation Debrief
5/ 4 Exam 2 Chapters 6 through 12
5/11 Comp-XM completed

Grading Policy

3 Capstone Papers 15%

Comp-XM 15%
4 Individual Case Papers 30%
2 Exams 30%
Participation 10%
100%

A+: 97 and up A: 94-96 A-: 90-93

B+: 87-89 B: 84-86 B-: 80-83
C+: 77-79 C: 74-76 C-: 70-73
D+: 67-69 D: 64-66 D-: 60-63
F: 59 and below
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Capstone Simulation (Capstone Papers and Comp-XM)

The Capstone simulation will be conducted with students organized into pairs or working individually.
You will represent separate firms within an industry. Every firm begins from the same starting point, but
will compete based on various decisions you make. We will begin with some practice rounds first against
the computer. Then, we will run with specific strategies for 4 rounds each. As the simulation continues,
each firm will keep a record of decisions made, and the specific strategic reasons for those decisions.
Simulations are fun, but take the competition seriously – there are winners and losers in this game.

You will run 3 separate simulations of 4 rounds each, each time using a different strategy. You will be
playing against the computer. Notice that after each deadline, the simulation will be reset for the next
strategy. You may work at a faster pace & request an earlier reset. When each simulation ends, you will
prepare a report (to be approximately 3 double-spaced, typed pages of text PLUS tables) that outlines
actions taken throughout the 4 rounds of the simulation.
The report should include at a minimum:

1. A competitive analysis – what generic strategies did the competing firms follow?
2. A financial analysis of your firm including benchmarking.
3. Evaluation of your firm’s successes and failures. What decisions were correct? What would you do
differently next time?

These 3 sets of simulation rounds will prepare you for the Comp-XM, which will occur during the last
weeks of the semester. Each student will be required to demonstrate business judgment and analytical
skills by managing their own company for four simulated years, competing against three computer-
managed companies. Comp-XM also includes a series of questions based on the simulation results. You
will receive a grade for the Comp-XM.

Case Papers

You are assigned 4 of the cases from the text. Each paper must be a minimum of 3 pages of text PLUS
exhibits. Each case will have its own specific content requirements, in addition to a general case analysis.
You must submit a hard copy of each case paper PLUS upload it to the turnitin link in WebCT.

Case paper format & rules:

- You must follow the requirements. This assignment involves the ANALYSIS PROCESS.
- For each paper you will be turning in a hard copy as well as uploading to turnitin.
- Late papers will not be accepted.
- Use the MLA Handbook and follow the rules of format for papers regarding spacing, headers,
references, citations, etc.
- You will use each textbook case as a starting point, then update with fresh information through
research.
- You must list references – I expect you to go to the library for sources. The Internet may be used
but only along with other sources. If your paper has only Internet sources, it is an automatic zero!
This includes Wikipedia.
- Visit the Writing Lab – they are extremely helpful.
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1. Case 12: Whole Foods Market

Due 2/16

Complete the following analysis:

i) External environment
ii) Stakeholders

2. Case 40: McDonalds

Due 3/2

Complete a 5 Forces analysis of the fast food industry

3. Cases 37 & 38: General Motors & Ford

Due 3/30

Complete financial analyses of both firms & determine if one has a competitive advantage over
the other.

4. Case 9: Kmart-Sears
Identify strategic problems.
Make recommendations.

Exams

There will be two essay exams, each worth 15 %. Blue books will be provided.

No make-up exams will be given. An un-excused absence on the day of the exam will result in a zero for
that exam grade. In unavoidable situations, advanced notice of absences can result in the arrangement of
earlier exam sittings. In all cases, you must notify me of the expectation of a missed exam before the
scheduled exam day. If there is a dispute with the grading, you can request in writing that the portion of
the exam be reevaluated with the supporting evidence clearly stated.

Participation

The success and value of this course depend on class discussion. We all have experiences that will enrich
the topics and direction of discussion in this course. This means that you need to be fully acquainted with
the readings for a given session. It is my expectation that you will have read the assigned material and
cases and be prepared to participate in class discussions and activities.
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Each week that a case is assigned for discussion, you will submit a 1-2 page case analysis (hard copy) that
answers to questions that I will specify in the previous class. These written case analyses are to aid you
during the class discussion. No handwritten case analysis will be accepted.

You must attend class & participate in discussions for this portion of the grade.

Course & Instructor Policies

• You are required to attend class. This course is your course – your input will determine your
outcomes. You are allowed 2 excused absences. After that, each absence results in a reduction of 5
points from your total grade.
• If you are absent or late to a class meeting, it will be your responsibility to catch up with all the
missed materials including learning of any announcement made while you were absent. No make-up
exams or lectures will be given.
• All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned. No late
assignments will be accepted.
• All written work is to be typewritten, double spaced, and follow expected standards of clarity,
organization and grammar.
• Please observe good classroom etiquette: turn off cell phones, no private discussions, try to be on
time.
• Finally, it is your responsibility to READ THE SYLLABUS thoroughly and to keep track of all
the important dates and requirements.

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly and
efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be
knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on
student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD printed publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all
registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established
due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The
University of Texas System, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of
Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602,
972/883-6391) and online at http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is expected
to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules.
Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off
campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.
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Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an
academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative
that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic Dishonesty, any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic
dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or
materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act
designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is
unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This
course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90%
effective.

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other
reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or
distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to
appropriate disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only
appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required
to follow the institution’s copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information about the fair use
exemption, see http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and
students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of
each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent
only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it
originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the
identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student
with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of
Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other
accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates and
times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you
choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the university’s
Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic
responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor,
supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
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Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be
resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s
School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit
a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may
make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an
Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals
process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff
members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semester’s end
and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8)
weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove
the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a
grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of their
non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)
disabilityservice@utdallas.edu

If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with the Coordinator of
Disability Services. The Coordinator is available to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you
determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered
with Disability Services to notify them of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Disability Services can
then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability
Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and
needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and
observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section
11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence,
preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the
assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum
of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be
penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may
receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.
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If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious
holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete
any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into
account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief
executive officer or designee.